Nicotine Gum

Nicotine gum is a type of chewing gum that delivers nicotine to the body. The nicotine is absorbed by tissues in the mouth and delivered to the bloodstream. It can be purchased at most pharmacies and many grocery stores without a prescription. The typical doses available are 4mg and 2mg, roughly the same amount of nicotine in one or two cigarettes. The most common brands are Nicorette (GSK) and Nicotinell, while off brand or private label gum can also be purchased. There are several flavors to choose from nowadays ranging from cinnamon to mint.

Using Nicotine Gum To Stop Smoking

Depending on the number of cigarettes you smoke per day, you will want to start with a different number of pieces of gum per day and/or lower dose.

If you smoke less than 25 cigarettes per day:

During weeks 1 to 6, start with one piece of 2mg gum every 1 to 2 hours

For weeks 7 to 9, have one piece of 2mg strength every 2 to 4 hours

On the final weeks 10-12, use one piece of 2mg strength every 4 to 8 hours

If you smoke more than 25 cigarettes per day:

During weeks 1 to 6, start with one piece of 4mg gum every 1 to 2 hours

For weeks 7 to 9, have one piece of 4mg strength every 2 to 4 hours

On the last weeks 10-12, have one piece of 4mg strength every 4 to 8 hours

Some nicotine gum programs are different and there are some studies that indicate a combination of the nicotine patch and gum can be successful. In these cases, the gum is generally used to fight off cravings and gradually reduced in usage after the first few weeks. As always, we recommend consulting your physician before altering the program since high levels of nicotine can be dangerous. It is important not to smoke cigarettes while undergoing any form of Nicotine replacement therapy.

Proper Use Of Nicotine Gum

Nicotine gum may be gum, but it should not be chewed like gum. When you put a piece into your mouth, chew it until a peppery taste comes out and then “park” it somewhere in your mouth so the nicotine can be absorbed. Most people place the gum between the outside of their teeth and inside of their cheed, generally in the upper right or left portion of the mouth. It generally takes about 30 seconds to 60 seconds to start feeling the nicotine absorb and craving reduced. If you feel the need for more nicotine, sometimes re-chewing and parking the gum after a bit can help.

Be prepared to quit before you start using nicotine gum.

Regardless of which quit smoking aid you are using, having a plan in place ahead of time and setting a quit date is essential to your success. Be ready to make it stick.

The Price Of Nicotine Gum

The cost of nicotine gum ranges from around $40.00 to $50.00 for 100 pieces of gum. If used according to the instructions, you will spend approximately $150.00 for the entire duration of the program. The cost of smoking a pack a day over the same amount of time would be around $400 so it is still far cheaper than smoking. Not to mention the amount of money saved once you quit.